About Me
My name is Mahek Parvez, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. I am an ambitious woman hoping to merge technology and sustainability to solve climate change. Originally from India, I have had the privilege of contributing to several impactful projects and initiatives both academically and socially in the realms of Sustainability and Women Empowerment. During my two gap years, I pursued scientific research and experimentation at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), the #1 university in India for R&D.
Why did you come to Purdue?
I chose Purdue University because of its outstanding reputation in engineering and innovation, coupled with its emphasis on hands-on learning and research. Purdue's commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges aligns perfectly with my academic goals and personal vision of creating impactful solutions. The opportunity to work with accomplished faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects has been a pivotal part of my experience. For example, my involvement with the US Navy-funded boat automation initiative and the Society of Women Engineers Sustainability program have allowed me to apply computer vision and sustainability principles in innovative ways. Moreover, Purdue's research opportunities have helped me refine my work on projects like the SunHarvested CoolRooms, a sustainable electricity-free cooling solution that has received global recognition. The campus environment fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my academic journey. I knew Purdue would challenge me to grow not just as an engineer but as a thinker, collaborator, and leader—qualities essential to achieving my long-term goal of creating sustainable technologies that benefit society.
Goals and Plans
My goals include deepening my expertise in engineering, AI and sustainability through hands-on research and interdisciplinary projects. I aim to refine innovations like the Sun Harvested Cool Rooms and contribute to meaningful initiatives like the Society of Women Engineers sustainability program. In the short term, I plan to focus on advanced coursework and collaborative research, while participating in Research programs like SURF that promote women in STEM. Long term, I aspire to develop scalable, sustainable technologies addressing global challenges like food security and climate change, leveraging my Purdue leading technology developments to create impactful solutions.
Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue
My favorite experience at Purdue is making new friends. It took a few months to understand what I like about certain people and whom I would like to keep around. Even rooming with someone other than my sister has been a transformative friendship experience!
One of my favorite spaces at Purdue is the Bechtel Innovation Design Center. It’s a hub of creativity and collaboration where ideas come to life. Whether I’m prototyping a new concept or brainstorming with teammates, the energy of the space fuels my motivation and reminds me why I chose Purdue—a place where innovation thrives.
Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops
I took the SCLA 110 class in Fall 2024 as part of my prerequisites for the semester. Being Dr. Matthew Allen’s student was one of the biggest joys of my first semester. Through our assignments and classes, I understood how to build a work-life schedule, create simple but impactful presentations, and reflect on the past in a themed manner. Just about every assignment we've done has brought great learning for me as a human. I have even built a whole new journaling system for 2025 based on one of our conversations!
Advice to new Purdue students
My journey at Purdue is about more than academics—it's about becoming a well-rounded individual prepared to solve real-world problems while celebrating and contributing to diversity. Each of us, as international students, bring unique perspectives and experiences. My advice would be—express your understanding openly and freely when inside or outside class, and be willing to hear others’ perspectives too. Seek help from your SCLA professors when you feel you are lagging behind or need some support in preparing yourself for future opportunities. Reaching out to my professor has helped me build tremendous confidence in even my internship interviewing process.